Patna: The ongoing Saras Mela at Gandhi Maidan has proven to be a hit among visitors, attracting more than 80,000 people on Wednesday alone. In its first six days, the 15-day fair, organized by the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS), also known as JEEViKA, has already generated Rs. 6.20 crore in revenue.
“Saras Mela is not just a fair; it is a celebration of our culture and creativity,” said Himanshu Sharma, CEO of BRLPS, on Wednesday.
The 15-day fair features more than 500 stalls, with 200 dedicated to showcasing Bihar-specific products and 76 offering crafts and specialties from 25 other states. The diversity of products on display ensures there is something for everyone, with visitors exploring everything from textiles and home decor to organic food items and traditional rice varieties.
“I come to Saras Mela every year, but this time it feels even more vibrant,” said Anjali Devi, a visitor from Patna. She added, “The variety of crafts and the quality of products are unmatched. Plus, the atmosphere is so lively that you just want to keep coming back.”
Suresh Kumar, a visitor from Muzaffarpur, said, “I bought a beautiful Madhubani painting and some handmade jewellery. It feels good to support these women and take home something authentic.”
In addition to shopping, the fair also serves as a platform to raise awareness about various government schemes aimed at empowering rural communities. Stalls promoting the Satat Jeevikoparjan Yojana and Lohiya Swachh Bihar Abhiyan are educating the public on how these programmes are helping women and families in Bihar.
“I never realized how much the government is doing for us until I visited these stalls,” shared Rekha Rani, a local resident.
The fair has become a powerful tool for economic empowerment, especially for women. With self-help groups from all 38 districts of Bihar and 22 other states, rural women entrepreneurs are not just selling products; they are gaining financial independence and recognition for their craftsmanship.
“The opportunity to showcase our art here has been life-changing. I have made more sales in the last few days than I usually make in a month. The exposure has been incredible,” said Pushpavati, an entrepreneur who is selling home decor items at the fair.
Saras Mela will continue till December 26, from 10 am to 8 pm, with free entry for all. In September, the Mini Saras Mela saw products worth ₹3.28 crore bought and sold, with an estimated 3 lakh attendees.
